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HX240c-M4SX system Upgrade

ahay5966
Level 1
Level 1

‎12-04-2024 02:13 AM

I currently have a Cisco HX240c-M4SX system, and I understand it is end of support. I am looking to upgrade the system's storage capacity from 20TB to 40TB. Could you please advise on the possibility of adding additional 20TB of usable cluster storage, including the steps involved and any requirements for expanding the storage? and upgrade possibility for VMware vSphere from 6.0.0 to at least 6.7.2.

I would also appreciate any guidance regarding disk compatibility and whether any additional hardware or licenses may be needed for this upgrade.

 

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Kirk J
Cisco Employee
Cisco Employee

‎12-20-2024 05:40 AM

IF, you can find some ebay/reseller drives that match your existing ones, then you may  be able to add additional drives into your open drive bays.

As it sounds like your system has not been upgraded in a while , you may run into issues with drive detection (i.e same Cisco drive pid, but updated MFG model number) that requires later UCS/UCSM firmware as well as updated hyperflex code.

HX version 4.52e was pretty good version, and supported 'most' of the updated drives.

https://software.cisco.com/download/home/286305544/type/286305994/release/4.5(2e)?i=!pp

 

For matching UCS<>HX<>ESXi interop info, see https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/hyperconverged_systems/HyperFlex_HX_DataPlatformSoftware/release-guidelines-and-support-timeline/b-recommended-hx-data-platform-sw-releases/m-software-requirements-4-5.html 

https://www.cisco.com/c/dam/en/us/products/collateral/hyperconverged-infrastructure/hyperflex-hx-series/datasheet-c78-736818.pdf 

As you have noted these are beyond LDOS, so you can't purchase licenses for these anymore

Adding the additional disks won't require licensing changes.

 

Kirk...

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AshSe
VIP
VIP

‎01-10-2025 02:10 AM - edited ‎01-10-2025 02:14 AM

Hello @ahay5966 

 

Could you please advise on the possibility of adding additional 20TB of usable cluster storage, including the steps involved and any requirements for expanding the storage? 

Upgrading your Cisco HX240c-M4SX system's storage capacity and VMware vSphere version involves several considerations. Below is a detailed guide to help you with the process:

1. Expanding Storage Capacity from 20TB to 40TB

A. Check System Compatibility

  1. End-of-Support Status: Since the Cisco HX240c-M4SX is end-of-support, you may face challenges obtaining official support or replacement parts. However, you can still expand storage if compatible hardware is available.
  2. Cluster Configuration: Verify the current configuration of your HyperFlex cluster. Ensure that the cluster can support the additional storage. For example:
    • Check the number of available drive slots in your HX240c-M4SX nodes.
    • Confirm the maximum supported storage capacity for your system.

B. Disk Compatibility

  1. Supported Drives: Cisco HyperFlex systems typically require Cisco-certified drives. Check the Cisco HyperFlex compatibility matrix for supported drives for your HX240c-M4SX model.

    • Drives must match the specifications of your existing drives (e.g., capacity, type, and speed).
    • If you are using SSDs for caching and HDDs for capacity, ensure the new drives are compatible with the existing caching tier and capacity tier.

  2. Drive Types:

    • Caching Tier: SSDs are used for caching. Ensure you have sufficient SSD capacity to support the additional HDDs.
    • Capacity Tier: HDDs are used for storage. Add the required number of drives to reach 40TB usable capacity.

C. Steps to Add Storage

  1. Plan the Expansion:

    • Calculate the number of drives needed to achieve 40TB usable storage, considering RAID overhead and HyperFlex's data replication policies (e.g., RF2 or RF3).
    • Ensure you have sufficient drive slots in your HX240c-M4SX nodes. If not, you may need to add additional nodes to the cluster.

  2. Procure Drives:

    • Purchase Cisco-certified drives that are compatible with your system.

  3. Install Drives:

    • Power down the system (if required) and install the new drives into the available slots.
    • Follow Cisco's hardware installation guide for your HX240c-M4SX model.

  4. Expand the Cluster Storage:

    • Log in to the HyperFlex Connect management interface.
    • Add the new drives to the storage pool.
    • Allow the system to rebalance the data across the cluster.

  5. Verify:

    • Confirm that the new storage is recognized and usable in the cluster.
    • Monitor the system to ensure proper operation and performance.

D. Additional Considerations

  • Licensing: Ensure your HyperFlex software license supports the expanded storage capacity.
  • Firmware Updates: Update the firmware of your HX240c-M4SX nodes to the latest supported version to ensure compatibility with the new drives.
and upgrade possibility for VMware vSphere from 6.0.0 to at least 6.7.2.

I would also appreciate any guidance regarding disk compatibility and whether any additional hardware or licenses may be needed for this upgrade.

 

 

2. Upgrading VMware vSphere from 6.0.0 to 6.7.2

A. Check Compatibility

  1. Hardware Compatibility:

    • Verify that the Cisco HX240c-M4SX supports VMware vSphere 6.7.2. Check the VMware Compatibility Guide (VCG) and Cisco's compatibility matrix.
    • Ensure the system's BIOS, firmware, and drivers are updated to versions compatible with vSphere 6.7.2.

  2. HyperFlex Compatibility:

    • Ensure your HyperFlex software version supports vSphere 6.7.2. You may need to upgrade the HyperFlex software before upgrading vSphere.

B. Licensing

  • Verify that your VMware licenses are valid for vSphere 6.7.2. If not, you may need to purchase or upgrade your licenses.

C. Upgrade Path

  1. Backup:

    • Backup all VMs, configurations, and the HyperFlex cluster before proceeding with the upgrade.

  2. Upgrade vCenter Server:

    • Upgrade your vCenter Server to a version compatible with vSphere 6.7.2. This is required before upgrading ESXi hosts.

  3. Upgrade ESXi Hosts:

    • Use the vSphere Update Manager (VUM) to upgrade the ESXi hosts in your cluster to version 6.7.2.
    • Perform the upgrade in a rolling fashion to minimize downtime.

  4. Verify:

    • Confirm that all hosts and VMs are functioning correctly after the upgrade.

D. Additional Considerations

  • End of Support for vSphere 6.7: VMware vSphere 6.7 reached end of general support in October 2022. Consider upgrading to a later version (e.g., vSphere 7.0) if your hardware supports it.
  • Hardware Limitations: If your HX240c-M4SX does not support vSphere 6.7 or later, you may need to consider replacing the system with a newer model.

3. Additional Hardware or Licenses

  • Hardware:
    • Additional drives (Cisco-certified).
    • Additional nodes (if required for capacity or performance).
  • Licenses:
    • Updated VMware licenses for vSphere 6.7.2 or later.
    • Updated HyperFlex licenses (if required for expanded storage).

Summary

  • Expanding storage to 40TB is possible if your HX240c-M4SX has sufficient drive slots and supports the additional capacity. Use Cisco-certified drives and follow HyperFlex guidelines for adding storage.
  • Upgrading to VMware vSphere 6.7.2 is feasible if your hardware and HyperFlex software are compatible. Ensure you have the necessary licenses and follow the recommended upgrade path.
  • Consider the end-of-support status of your system and software. If your hardware cannot support the desired upgrades, it may be time to consider replacing the system with a newer model.

 

Hope This Helps!!!

 

AshSe

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